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Support Our Troops, Inc., announces the seminal member of its Heroes Board: The Honorable Sonny Montgomery. - Daytona Beach, FL, January 10, 2006
(Note: Sonny Montgomery passed on May 12, 2006 and his listing is continued posthumously on the Heroes Board of Support Our Troops®).
Support Our Troops, Inc. is proud and honored to announce that the Honorable Sonny Montgomery, has become the first member of its newly-created Heroes Board.
"We are absolutely humbled at Sonny's recognition of what we are building, and his pitching in with us to help build it,"said Hayes Dent, for Support Our Troops, Inc.For Release 9 a.m. EDT, January 10, 2006 Because Support Our Troops is rapidly becoming a major and permanent national charity, it established the Heroes Board for guidance. As Support Our Troops Chairman Martin C. Boire puts it, "every successful great project has Mentors who provide invaluable guidance, have charted the course before, know how to avoid the shoals, where lies the fairest wind, and which ships are friendly. These mentors are the people who are able to make good things happen quickly. From Homers' Odyssey in antiquity to the present, these keystone individuals are those who provide wise advice, build bridges, locate funding, make connections and open doors to make great things happen for good causes. The Heroes Board will comprise just such magnanimous individuals, who will offer their wisdom to assist the greater good, and are shepherding this project to success for the benefit of America's troops and their families. The directors of Support Our Troops are fortunate enough to benefit from their wisdom, advice and counsel." more Sonny Montgomery's sanction and involvement will enable Support Our Troops to move quickly for the troops and their families. Founded by civilians Support Our Troops, Inc. is a nationwide charity based in Daytona Beach, on a mission to bolster the families of our neighbors who are working daily to protect all the rest of us. SOT is doing this through the sale of DMV-issued official Support Our Troops specialty license plates in each state, an apparel and accessory line, various patriotic merchandise (stickers, pins, flags, ribbons and so forth) both online and at retail venues across the United States, and most recently, through the of Support Our Troops Custom Harley-Chopper 2006 Raffle. Funds from these activities will help keep the troops' families intact while their parent(s) are engaged in protecting our families, whether it is a peacekeeping mission, a war, or a hurricane, flood, or other disaster. It is going to help pay for education, medical, home needs, emergency transportation, and the like -- the kinds of things that dad or mom could do if they were home. Sonny expressed his decision to help build the program thusly: "I am quite impressed with the concept of Support Our Troops, Inc. and the rapid progress that has been made on the foundation's stated mission. I believe the philosophy, guiding principles and method of operation that has been laid out is right on target and will certainly prove to be of great benefit to the type of military families it targets to support." Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery was born in Meridian, Mississippi on August 5, 1920. He attended public schools in Meridian. His father died when Sonny was about 12 years old and he remained in the public schools through the ninth grade. One of his aunts saw much promise in him and provided so that he could attend and graduate from The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. From McCallie, Sonny enrolled at Mississippi State College (now Mississippi State University) located in Starkville, Mississippi where his great grandfather, W.B. Montgomery had provided some land for a portion of the original campus and had served as one of the first trustees of the school. Sonny Montgomery was well known on campus and excelled in every endeavor, including ROTC, President of Student Government and membership in Kappa Alpha Order. For Release 9 a.m. EDT, January 10, 2006 more Graduating in 1943, Sonny was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served on active duty in the European Theater, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and was awarded the Bronze Star w/V devise. After WW II, he returned to Meridian and engaged in business and was a leader in establishing a Mississippi National Guard unit in Meridian. He was later called to active duty with the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He then was elected to the State Senate and served for 10 years, never missing a roll call vote. In 1967, G.V. Sonny Montgomery was sworn into the U.S. Congress as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. On that day, he and George H.W. Bush began their congressional service as freshmen, standing side by side while taking the oath and have remained very close friends ever since. During his thirty years of congressional service, 1967 - 1997, Sonny became the Champion of the Veterans of this country and was instrumental in the establishment of the volunteer armed forces through his untiring efforts to revamp and enhance veteran educational benefits through what came to be known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill. In joining the Board of Advisors, Sonny wrote,
"Support Our Troops has a truly bold vision of good things planned for our troops and their families over the next century, and I wholeheartedly endorse these efforts and encourage others to work with you and the board as well. This is a civilian organization involved in a major effort to forever put the civilians of our great nation behind their troops. I think it is a healthy thing for civilian run organizations to be openly behind their troops, because such an effort cannot be accomplished by government agencies, veteran groups or even the military itself with the same efficiency, responsiveness, and enthusiasm as a private organization can provide. Civilians are best suited to motivating other civilians for the sake of our troops and veterans. Support Our Troops, Inc., is well-organized, includes veterans in its management, and I am well acquainted with the trustworthiness of people in it."After his retirement from the U.S. Congress in 1997, Sonny remained in Washington to continue to work on Capitol Hill in the area of national defense. He also For Release 9 a.m. EDT, January 10, 2006 more retired from the Mississippi National Guard at the rank of Major General. In 2004, he retired to his hometown, Meridian, Mississippi. On November 9, 2005, G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, in a ceremony at The White House --the highest award that can be received by a civilian -- a fitting tribute to a Great American. Sonny summarized his motivation in joining the Support Our Troops Heroes Board as follows:
"I believe that in the end SOT's programs will augment the Montgomery G.I. Bill and other such military assistance packages in a very substantial and flexible way."And he concluded with this prediction and a personal call to action:
"In my opinion, the accomplishment of the mission of Support Our Troops will also do tremendous good for those who protect this great nation. It is my hope that Legislators all across America will do everything they can to help Support Our Troops accomplish its innovative goals, and that civilians and the great businesses and corporations of America will help Support Our Troops build a truly great national charity for our troops and their families.""What a truly great man", said Martin Boire, "the veteran's veteran, the man who works tirelessly to look out for those who look out for us. And for him to put in with us on this great American adventure calls us to an even higher level of service and honor. We are thankful and humbled that this titan of soldiers' rights and benefits recognized what we are creating and volunteered to help us in make it happen for America's troops and their families. With men like him, we can only do great things, and we look forward to working with him." Sonny Montgomery's acceptance letter is attached. Learn more about Support Our Troops, inc. at www.SupportOurTroops.org. For Release 9 a.m. EDT, January 10, 2006 more Honorable G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Meridian, MS, Postscript May, 2006 "" Sonny passed on May 12, 2006.
Death of G. V. Sonny Montgomery A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America President and Mrs. Bush
Saddened by Death of Sonny Montgomery As a mark of respect for the memory of G. V. Sonny Montgomery, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060512/NEWS/60512004 http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060517/NEWS/605170372/1002/NEWS01 For Release 9 a.m. EDT, January 10, 2006- Details
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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Barrett A Kahl, a former recruiter, and Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Fallen, Kahl's former recruit are stationed at the same base in Iraq. The two got a chance to reminisce recently during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo courtesy Staff Sgt. Barrett A. Kahl[/caption]
"I saw him here one day standing in the chow line," said Kahl, a native of Jarrettsville, Md. "It was weird how we were stationed at the same base in Iraq."
His former recruit, Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Fallen of Halifax, Va., is also serving here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While Fallen works as a machine gunner for the Dam Security Unit attached to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Kahl makes sure the DSU and other units attached to the battalion receive the food that keeps them going."I saw him here one day standing in the chow line," said Kahl, a native of Jarrettsville, Md. "It was weird how we were stationed at the same base in Iraq."
"I knew I would see him out here once he was done with recruiting duty," said 21-year-old Fallen.
In early 2003, Kahl first met Fallen and knew he was different than other future Marines. Graduating in the top five in his class at Halifax County High School, Fallen could have been accepted to any college but instead chose to go into the Marine Corps.
"Since I've known him, he has always had a lot of heart," Kahl said. "Even out here, I see it because he volunteered to come out here when he didn't have to."
Like most recruiters and their enlistees, they keep in contact with their Marines once they graduate basic training and go on to their units. Fallen kept in touch with his recruiter all the way through his enlistment and showed up at Kahl's office each time he went home on vacation.
"When he got back from Iraq the first time, we got together and had dinner," said Kahl, a mess chief attached to the battalion. "We have done lots of things together since he enlisted in the delayed entry program." Before crossing paths in Iraq, the two were both stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Once again, they would run into each other on a regular basis much like they do now in Iraq.
"It is really nice seeing him out here," Kahl said. "He brings a little taste of home whenever I see him."
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Russell D. Bridges, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, base operations, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, has been in the Marine Corps for more than seven years, said his grandfather -- a former military police officer during Vietnam -- was only family member who pushed him to join the military. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roger L. Nelson[/caption]
"Growing up with my grandma, I was really allowed to do pretty much whatever I wanted, as long as I stayed out of trouble," said 26-year-old Bridges. "She worked full-time in order to make ends meet, but did a good job raising me."
As a junior in high school Bridges decided he wanted to join the military with his friends."Growing up with my grandma, I was really allowed to do pretty much whatever I wanted, as long as I stayed out of trouble," said 26-year-old Bridges. "She worked full-time in order to make ends meet, but did a good job raising me."
"I originally was going to join the Army because all of my friends were doing it," he said. "We were going to do the whole buddy system thing. One of my friends actually took me to the Marine recruiter, and when I was talking to him, he asked what I was doing next summer. I told him I was going to Army boot camp, and he said, €˜No you're not, you're going to Marine Corps boot camp,' and that's how I got to be where I am today."
Bridges enlisted in the Marine Corps as an engineer, going through boot camp at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
"My family was very supportive of my decision to join the military," said the native of Alton, Ill. "My grandma just wasn't thrilled that I chose the Marine Corps over the others, but still backed me. My grandfather served as a military police officer in the Air Force during Vietnam and retired as a senior enlisted, so he was really the only person who pushed me to join."
Bridges explained that a lot of his friends ended up being "grunts," but he was interested in demolition, which is why he joined as an engineer.
"I didn't like doing humps; but I loved demolition, so I knew it was for me," said Bridges. "I'm glad I chose it because I really like it, and it turned out to be really cool."
Bridges has been in the Marines for more than seven years and has been to many different places.
"Before I was in the military, the only place I had ever been to was Mexico - on a church trip," he said. "Since I've been in, I've been to Iraq, all over Europe, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, and a lot of other interesting places."
Bridges was in Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned to Hawaii in March. While deployed, his job billet was staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge for information operations.
"I volunteered to go to Iraq, so it was awkward. I was scared from time to time, but was never in an actual fire fight," Bridges said. "Our biggest threat was indirect fire. You would hear bombs going off in the distance and then they would stop, so you would have no clue where the next one is going to go off."
He said that if it were up to him, he would not like to be deployed again, but wouldn't mind if he had to go.
"Everybody asks if it's a different lifestyle in Iraq," said Bridges. "They have their good and bad people there."
Bridges said that he is unsure as to what the future holds for him, but believes he will want to retire from the Marine Corps.
"As it looks now I'm going to do my 20 years and retire," he said. "But it's hard to say what's going to happen in the future. If I do decide to get out, I'd be interested in being on a special weapons and tactics team somewhere."
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Ten years of experience as a combat medic were put to use as U.S. Army Sgt. Chad Mahutga worked to treat shrapnel wounds, head injuries and keep one soldier's airway open after an improvised explosive device detonated under a Humvee near Balad, Iraq, last August. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth[/caption]
The IED, made from two anti-tank mines, detonated beneath the lead vehicle of the patrol, tossing the Humvee into the air and causing it to land on its roof. The smoke and dust obscured the vehicle from the view of the rest of the patrol.
"The first thing I did was give a contact report," said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Weaver, a platoon sergeant with K Troop. "Then I radioed to the vehicle to see if they had rolled through it."The IED, made from two anti-tank mines, detonated beneath the lead vehicle of the patrol, tossing the Humvee into the air and causing it to land on its roof. The smoke and dust obscured the vehicle from the view of the rest of the patrol.
There was no answer.
Sgt. Chad Mahutga, a medic with 3rd Platoon, got to the scene as quickly as he could.
"It was like time stood still," Mahutga said. "As soon as my feet hit the ground, it was like operating on instinct."
Mahutga went to work organizing a casualty collection point with the help of Combat Life Savers from the engineers and from K Troop. McCullouch ordered another vehicle closer to the scene to help shield the wounded from the rounds that were discharging in the fire.
Ten years of experience as a combat medic were put to feverish use as Mahutga worked to treat shrapnel wounds, head injuries and to keep one soldier's airway open.
"Doc Mahutga was like a machine. He was doing what he was trained to do," said McCullouch.
Weaver also expressed his admiration of Mahutga's actions.
"Sgt. Mahutga is a franchise player, I'm glad he's on my team," Weaver said. "None of them would have survived if he hadn't been there. He took a bad situation and made it better."
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U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael S. Beasley (right), the intelligence officer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, and his younger brother 1st Lt. Mark P. Beasley, the morale officer with HMH-466, are able to share the unique experience of flying in the same squadron while deployed in a combat environment together at Al Asad, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan[/caption]
We try to eat at least one meal together a day," said Michael, who is serving his second tour in Iraq. "We will catch up on what we have been doing and catch up on brotherly stuff as well. We try and consolidate our phone calls back home and keep everyone updated on how we are doing."
The Beasley brothers are natives of Placerville, Calif.. They said their father Pat Beasley, mother Kathy Beasley and older sister Tara Beasley all share a common interest in aviation."We try to eat at least one meal together a day," said Michael, who is serving his second tour in Iraq. "We will catch up on what we have been doing and catch up on brotherly stuff as well. We try and consolidate our phone calls back home and keep everyone updated on how we are doing."
"When we were kids, our dad flew Cessnas," said Michael. "All of them back home think it's cool we are here together. They are real patriotic and proud of what we are doing."
Michael began his career when he enlisted in the Marine Corps during 1994 as an aircraft recovery specialist. Working airfields by day and going to college at night, he earned his degree and his commission as a pilot through the enlisted commissioning program.
"Seeing Michael graduate from boot camp was inspiring, it got me interested in the Marine Corps," said Mark. "I saw the esprit de corps, the motivation level and the way they pushed physical fitness. As far as compared to the other services, I wanted to join the best."
Mark earned a Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship to Oklahoma University, and upon graduation, joined the Marine Corps. During January 2005, he reported to HMH-466 and joined his brother, who had been there since December 2004.
"We were just lucky to get stationed together," said Michael. "We don't fly together, or even fly in the same section. Imagine having a brother trying to tell you what to do, or trying to keep your focus while worried about what the other is doing."
Lt. Col. John H. Celigoy, the commanding officer of HMH-466, said the Beasleys bring a very positive dynamic to the squadron and the ready room.
"They are both great Marines," said Celigoy. "Since (Michael) is the older brother, they seem to take on that older, younger sibling role. They look out for each other. They have a strong relationship that brings a lot to the squadron. It's our pleasure to have them in the squadron, and an honor to serve with them. "
While Celigoy said it is definitely unique to have two brothers in the same squadron, he said they are professional Marine officers, who never let their personal relationship get in the way of their mission.
"Obviously, there is some risk in our profession," said Celigoy. "I am not willing to place undue burden on one family. This squadron can execute its mission without them flying in the same cockpit. It's also a promise I made to their father before we deployed. I have no intention of breaking a promise made to a Marine's parent."
Around the squadron, the Beasley brothers said Michael is more talkative and Mark is more reserved and quiet. They also said the Marines of HMH-466 who don't see them daily often confuse them. But, they said it doesn't bother them, and Mark said it's good having someone who's a little senior who can give him the inside scoop on how everything works.
"They look like brothers, but they have very different personalities," said Celigoy. "They both strive to be the best pilots and Marines they can be. They also both think they are experts on the subject of football and can often be found debating the final points of the game. (Mark) is a University of Oklahoma graduate. So naturally, he's going through some tough times with the performance of the Sooners lately."
The brothers said it's only natural for them to be flying the same aircraft in the same squadron. They said the Marine Corps is like a family, but it's nice to be in the same squadron with a brother you grew up with. They also said they both have the loves of their lives waiting for them in the United States. Mark is married to Melissa, and Michael is engaged to his girlfriend of six years, Sharice Smart.
They said everyone back home was happy they were able to celebrate the holidays together, and just like when they were children playing football or going to school together, they can depend on each other for anything.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael S. Beasley (right), the intelligence officer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, and his younger brother 1st Lt. Mark P. Beasley, the morale officer with HMH-466, are able to share the unique experience of flying in the same squadron while deployed in a combat environment together at Al Asad, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
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Santa Claus visited newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Tammy Duckworth on Dec. 21, 2004, at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she is undergoing treatment after being severely injured in Iraq on Nov. 12. A rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter that Duckworth was piloting and most of her two legs have been amputated. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Bob Haskell[/caption]
The lady in the wheelchair was too busy swapping stories about flying helicopters, asking about her outfit's 300 or so soldiers still serving in Iraq, and making her point that she plans to continue serving this country. There was no chance for anyone to lament the fact that most of her two legs are missing and that her severely damaged right arm was encased in a hinged splint.
"I hope this is the worst thing that happens to anyone in the 106th during this deployment," the UH-60 Blackhawk pilot smiled warmly on the first day of winter. "This is not so bad. There is always somebody worse off than you are. I'm just glad it was me and not one of my guys out there."The lady in the wheelchair was too busy swapping stories about flying helicopters, asking about her outfit's 300 or so soldiers still serving in Iraq, and making her point that she plans to continue serving this country. There was no chance for anyone to lament the fact that most of her two legs are missing and that her severely damaged right arm was encased in a hinged splint.
Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, director of the Army National Guard, and other leaders from the Army Guard's Readiness Center in nearby Arlington, Va., were there. The adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Randal Thomas, and five other Guard members from Illinois were there. So was State Senator Chris Lauzen from Illinois's 25th District.
They gathered in the afternoon, four days before Christmas, to surprise Duckworth with her promotion from captain to major and to present her with an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal. She was presented a Purple Heart on Dec. 3.
Duckworth is a native of Hawaii, and her mother and father flew from their home in Pearl City to spend the holidays with her and her husband. Her brother and members of her husband's family also visited.
Life for Maj. Tammy Duckworth, 36, and her husband, Illinois Army Guard Capt. Bryan Bowlsbey, has changed dramatically since the afternoon of Nov. 12. That's when a rocket propelled grenade hit the chin bubble of the Blackhawk she was piloting in Iraq and exploded between her legs, according to the on-line journal her husband is writing.
Her copilot, from the Missouri Army Guard, landed the crippled Blackhawk before other crewmembers, air ambulance personnel and doctors began working feverishly to save her life, Bowlsbey stated. The helicopter's crew chief, Spc. Kurt Hannemann, from Illinois was apparently hurt but "was listed as not seriously injured," Illinois Guard officials reported.
Duckworth lost half of the blood in her body, said the woman who had served in Iraq with the Illinois Army Guard's 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation, an assault helicopter unit, since last March. All three bones in her right arm were broken but have since been pinned and plated together.
Nearly all of her right leg has been amputated, and she has lost her left leg beneath the knee. Her left leg will be fitted with a prosthesis, and Duckworth is grasping at every hope that she can also be fitted with a right-leg prosthesis, her husband explained, so she can again fly helicopters or fixed-wing airplanes or at least remain in the Army Guard.
"Remaining a soldier is her fall-back position," her husband told a reporter while Duckworth talked and joked with her visitors. "She will try to fly Blackhawks with prostheses after a long recovery period. She will go before a medical review board in six months or a year. Their decision may depend on whether she can pass a physical fitness test."
"It's always a privilege to wear the uniform," said Duckworth who has been assured she can return to her civilian job when she is able, her husband added. She is the manager of Rotary service clubs in the Asian-Pacific area for Rotary International.
Bowlsbey knows the drill because he is also an Army Guard officer, a captain and the commander of Charlie Company, 133rd Signal Battalion. He works fulltime for the Army ROTC program at Northern Illinois University, in De Kalb, where, coincidentally, Duckworth earned her commission in 1992.
She joined the Army Reserve and went to flight school and then joined the Illinois Army Guard in 1996, said her husband of more than 10 years. It is important for her to keep her wings.
No one was betting against the determined woman who had undergone surgery many times by Dec. 21 and who gave every impression of having come a long way in the days since being shot down. She was still learning to maneuver her electrically powered wheelchair because it was only the third time she had been up from her bed since arriving at Walter Reed on Nov. 18.
"We're so proud of one of our finest," praised Lauzen. "My first priority is taking care of soldiers who we are fortunate enough to have come home to us. I'm here to express the love, respect and appreciation of the people of Illinois."
"She is a person of unusual strength and unusual courage and tremendous personal discipline," said Lt. Gen. Schultz. "Just being around her gives you a sense of appreciation for the people who make our Army the organization that it is." Walter Reed is filled with patients and practitioners who accentuate the positive.
"The medical team here has done an incredible job of fixing Tammy so far," Bowlsbey stated. "They did a miracle job of rebuilding her right arm. They reattached her triceps, and they rebuilt all three bones."
Other patients were equally upbeat about their lot.
"I'm doing OK. This could be a lot worse," North Carolina Army Guard Sgt. Dale Beatty, a double amputee, told Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum who visited the medical center on Dec. 15. Beatty's six-month-old son Lucas lay beside him on his bed.
Beatty, with a certain sense of pride, showed his visitors a photo of the Humvee in which he was riding when an antitank mine shredded the front of the vehicle and cost Beatty both legs beneath his knees. President George Bush pinned a Purple Heart to the left sleeve of Beatty's T-shirt, bearing the slogan "Strong to the Finish," on the same afternoon that Duckworth was promoted.
"We saw probably some of the most magnificent Citizen-Soldiers who have ever volunteered to answer the call to colors for this country," said Blum after visiting Beatty and other Guard soldiers. "They are battle wounded, some with life-altering wounds, but their spirit has not been broken. They still have the warrior ethos. They still live the Army values."
That means, in the words of The Soldier's Creed, "I will never accept defeat. I will never quit." It also means, as soldiers frequently say, "driving on."
"In the final analysis, from the time she swore the Oath of Enlistment, ... she has been honored to €˜obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over' her," wrote Bowlsbey in Web journal. "This applies to all lawful orders, and nothing can negate that obligation. She still does not regret that commitment. Tammy has rededicated herself to the mission, chosen some long and short-term goals, and is moving forward."
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